Digital data distribution system

ABSTRACT

A CD on which only music information specified by the CD-DA is recorded, or a CD on which both music information specified by the CD-DA and music information to be recorded on a CD-ROM are recorded is mounted upon an information processing terminal. When the CD on which only music information specified by the CD-DA is recorded is mounted, the information processing terminal acquires, from a directory server, an ISRC number that identifies the music information recorded on the CD, and distribution server location information that identifies a content distribution server. The information processing terminal acquires content that is the music information compressed according to the MP3 and encrypted, from the content distribution server identified by the acquired distribution server location information, and the decryption key. The information processing terminal then decrypts the acquired content using the acquired decryption key and reproduces music.

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 10/169,606, which is a U.S. National Stage Application ofInternational Application No. PCT/US01/51574, filed Nov. 7, 2001, whichclaims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/706,755, filed Nov. 7,2000, now abandoned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a digital data distribution techniquefor distributing digital data via a network.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, so-called electronic music distribution (hereaftersimply, “EMD”)—downloading digital music information available to thepublic on the Internet to a personal computer (hereafter simply, a “PC”)and reproducing the music information by a computer program in thePC—has attracted much attention.

In relation to this, techniques for delivering entertainment contentcomplementary to a musical recording to a user's computer by means of acomputer network link are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,525, U.S.Pat. No. 6,061,680, U.S. Pat. No. 6,154,773, and U.S. Pat. No.6,161,132.

With the advent of the MP3 (MPEG audio layer-3) that is a CODEC enablinghigh-compression of digital music information while maintaininghigh-audio quality, users can easily compress and record, on their PCs,music information that is recorded on their music CDs in the CompactDisc Digital Audio (hereafter simply, “CD-DA”) format, using rippingsoftware compliant with the MP3. The users can also store the musicinformation in the hard disk unit of their PCs. Here, the rippingsoftware is a computer program to convert music information recorded onmusic CDs into music information suitable for being handled on PCs.Furthermore, now that portable devices (hereafter simply, “PDs”) forreproducing music information compressed by the MP3, such as “RIO”manufactured by Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. have appeared, theusers can write music information compressed by the MP3 into their PCsusing a program for PCs, and play back music outside by taking the PCsthere.

The MP3 has been widely accepted by the users and won enormouspopularity for its convenience.

However, the high-compression feature of the MP3 suitable for dataexchange on the Internet has created an increasing number of Websitespublishing unauthorized data generated by the MP3 without permission ofcopyright holders of the data.

Predicting that CD sales will drop and the entire music industry will beon the decline in such a situation, the recording industry hasestablished the SDMI (Secure Digital Music Initiative), a group defininga framework for distributing copyrighted music data on the Internet.

In such an effort, the following specific techniques are being employed.One technique is for embedding a digital watermark into musicinformation to indicate that the music information is copyrightedcontent or not. Another technique is for encrypting compressed andrecorded music information to prevent unauthorized copy from being made.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

However, the problem is that detecting a digital watermark whileconverting music information recorded on a CD into music informationsuitable for a CODEC such as the MP3 and the AAC (Advanced Audio Coding)degrades the conversion efficiency. The conversion efficiency is furtherdegraded when encrypted music information is decrypted.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above problem, the object of the present invention is toprovide a digital data distribution system, an information processingdevice, a directory distribution device, a content distribution device,and an additional-information distribution device, which enableefficient conversion of digital-work information recorded on music CDsinto digital-work information suitable for a CODEC, and to provide amethod and a program for enabling distributions for the same, and arecording medium on which the program is recorded.

The above object of the present invention can be achieved by aninformation processing device that accesses a recording medium on which(a) information unique to the recording medium and (b) first informationexpressing a work in a first format are recorded, to acquire secondinformation expressing the work in a second format, including: aselection unit operable to select one of (1) conversion of the firstinformation into the second information, and (2) online-acquisition ofthe second information from a content distribution device connected tothe information processing device via a distribution network; a firstread unit operable to read the first information from the recordingmedium, when the conversion is selected; a conversion unit operable toconvert the read first information from the first format to the secondformat, to acquire the second information; a second read unit operableto read the unique information from the recording medium, when theonline-acquisition is selected; and an online-acquisition unit operableto acquire the second information interrelated with the read uniqueinformation, from the content distribution device that stores the secondinformation and the unique information in an interrelated manner.

With this construction, the selected operation determines whether thefirst information is converted into the second information, or thesecond information is acquired from the content distribution deviceconnected via the distribution network. Therefore, the secondinformation can be acquired efficiently.

Here, the online-acquisition unit may include: a first acquisition unitoperable to acquire, based on the read unique information, IDinformation identifying the second information and location informationindicating a location at which the content distribution device isconnected on the distribution network, from a directory distributiondevice connected on the distribution network; and a second acquisitionunit operable to acquire the second information identified by theacquired ID information, from the content distribution device whoselocation is indicated by the acquired location information.

With this construction, the location information that indicates alocation at which the content distribution device is connected can beacquired from the directory distribution device, and the secondinformation can be acquired from the content distribution deviceindicated by the location information. Therefore, the informationprocessing device simply provided with the location information of thedirectory distribution device ensures acquisition of the secondinformation via the distribution network.

Also, the present invention relates to a directory distribution device,including: a storage unit operable to store, in an interrelated manner,(a) unique information that is unique to a recording medium on whichfirst information expressing a work in a first format is recorded, (b)ID information that identifies second information expressing the work ina second format, and (c) location information that indicates a locationat which a content distribution device is connected on a distributionnetwork; a reception unit operable to receive the unique informationfrom an information processing device via the distribution network; anextraction unit operable to extract the ID information and the locationinformation that are interrelated with the received unique information,from the storage unit; and a transmission unit operable to transmit theextracted ID information and the extracted location information to theinformation processing device.

With this construction, the directory distribution device transmits thelocation information that indicates a location at which the contentdistribution device is connected, to the information processing device.Therefore, the information processing device simply provided with thelocation information of the directory distribution device ensuresacquisition of the second information via the distribution network.

Also, the present invention relates to a content distribution devicethat accesses a recording medium on which (a) information unique to therecording medium and (b) first information expressing a work in a firstformat are recorded, so as to transmit second information expressing thework in a second format to an information processing device thatacquires the second information, the content distribution deviceincluding: a storage unit operable to store the second information andID information identifying the second information in an interrelatedmanner; a reception unit operable to receive the ID informationidentifying the second information from the information processingdevice via a distribution network; an extraction unit operable toextract the second information identified by the received ID informationfrom the storage unit; and a transmission unit operable to transmit theextracted second information to the information processing device.

With this construction, the content distribution device ensurestransmission of the second information to the information processingdevice via the distribution network.

Also, the present invention relates to an additional-informationdistribution device that accesses a recording medium on which (a)information unique to the recording medium and (b) first informationexpressing a work in a first format are recorded, so as to transmitadditional information relating to second information expressing thework in a second format, to an information processing device that hasacquired the second information, the additional-information distributiondevice including: a storage unit operable to store the additionalinformation and ID information identifying the second information in aninterrelated manner; a reception unit operable to receive the IDinformation identifying the second information from the informationprocessing device via a distribution network; an extraction unitoperable to extract the additional information identified using thereceived ID information from the storage unit; and a transmission unitoperable to transmit the extracted additional information to theinformation processing device.

With this construction, the additional-information distribution deviceensures transmission of additional information relating to the secondinformation, to the information processing device via the distributionnetwork.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention willbecome apparent from the following description thereof taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate a specificembodiment of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a digital data distribution system 1;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the construction of an informationprocessing terminal 10;

FIG. 3 is a data structure diagram showing the construction ofinformation recorded in a CD-DA region of a CD;

FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram showing information recorded in aCD-ROM region of a CD;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the construction of a directory server20;

FIG. 6 is a data structure diagram showing the construction of a mediaID reference table 230;

FIG. 7 is a data structure diagram showing the construction of adistribution server reference table 240;

FIG. 8 is a data structure diagram showing the construction of an ISRCreference table 250;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the construction of a contentdistribution server 30;

FIG. 10 is a data structure diagram showing the construction of acontent storage reference table 330;

FIG. 11 is a data structure diagram showing the construction of acustomer information management table 340;

FIG. 12 is a data structure diagram showing the construction of adownload content management table 350;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the construction of anadditional-information distribution server 40;

FIG. 14 is a data structure diagram showing the construction of anadditional-information storage reference table 430;

FIG. 15 is a data structure diagram showing the construction of acustomer information management table 440;

FIG. 16 is a data structure diagram showing the construction of adownload additional-information management table 450;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the construction of a settlementserver 50;

FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of the operations of the digital datadistribution system 1, continuing to FIG. 19;

FIG. 19 shows a flowchart of the operations of the digital datadistribution system 1, continuing to FIG. 20;

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of the operations of the digital datadistribution system 1, continuing to FIG. 21;

FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of the operations of the digital datadistribution system 1, continuing from FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall operations of thedigital data distribution system 1; and

FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall operations of adigital data distribution system 1A.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As a first embodiment of the present invention, the following describesa digital data distribution system 1.

1. Construction of the Digital Data Distribution System 1

As FIG. 1 shows, the digital data distribution system 1 includes aninformation processing terminal 10, a directory server 20, a contentdistribution server 30 a, a content distribution server 30 b, a contentdistribution server 30 c, . . . , an additional-information distributionserver 40, and a settlement server 50. These devices are connected withone another via the Internet 60.

A CD on which only music information specified by the CD-DA is recorded,or a CD on which not only music information specified by the CD-DA butalso music information to be recorded on a CD-ROM are recorded, ismounted upon the information processing terminal 10.

When the CD on which only music information specified by the CD-DA isrecorded is mounted, the information processing terminal 10 acquires anISRC number indicating a piece of music information recorded on the CDand distribution server location information identifying one of thecontent distribution servers 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, . . . from the directoryserver 20. Next, the information processing terminal 10 acquires (a)content that is the piece of music information compressed according tothe MP3 and encrypted, and (b) its decryption key, from the one of thecontent distribution servers 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, . . . identified by theacquired distribution server location information. Next, the informationprocessing terminal 10 decrypts the acquired content using the acquireddecryption key, and reproduces music.

When the CD on which not only music information specified by the CD-DAbut also encrypted music information to be recorded on a CD-ROM arerecorded is mounted, the information processing terminal 10 acquires adecryption key from the content distribution server, decrypts contentrecorded on the CD using the acquired decryption key, and reproducesmusic.

1.1 Information Processing Terminal 10

As FIG. 2 shows, the information processing terminal 10 includes areception unit 101, a content storage unit 102, a reproduction unit 103,a read unit 104, a conversion unit 105, a transmission unit 106, a CDread unit 107, an information storage unit 108, and an input unit 109.

The information processing terminal 10 is specifically a personalcomputer system made up of a microprocessor, a ROM, a RAM, a hard diskunit, a display unit, a keyboard, a mouse, a LAN connection unit, a CDinput-output unit, and the like. The RAM or the hard disk unit stores acomputer program. The functions of the information processing terminal10 are realized by the microprocessor operating according to thecomputer program.

(1) Information Storage Unit 108

The information storage unit 108 is specifically constructed by a harddisk unit, and prestores terminal location information, a terminal ID,and user information.

The terminal location information is identification information thatidentifies a location at which the information processing terminal 10 isconnected on the Internet 60. To be more specific, the terminal locationinformation is an IP address.

The terminal ID is an identifier for identifying the informationprocessing terminal 10.

The user information includes information relating to a user of theinformation processing terminal 10. To be more specific, the userinformation includes a name, an address, and a telephone number of theuser.

(2) CD Structure

The following describes the structure of a plurality of types of CDsthat can be mounted upon the information processing terminal 10, and thestructure of information recorded on these CDs. These CDs are realizedby CD EXTRAs that can store data reproducible on a personal computer aswell as data normally recorded on music CDs. It should be noted thatthese CDs may instead be realized by other recording media such as aDVD, a PD, a FD, and a semiconductor medium.

The CDs that are mounted upon the information processing terminal 10 areroughly categorized into two types, one having a CD-DA region forstoring information specified by the CD-DA, and the other having both aCD-ROM region for storing information that is to be recorded on a CD-ROMand the CD-DA region.

As FIG. 3 shows, TOC (Table of Contents) information specified by theCD-DA and at least one piece of music information are recorded in theCD-DA region. The TOC information includes at least one logical sectoraddress and a total time period. The logical sector address identifiesthe start point of a region in which the piece of music information isrecorded. The total time period is a time period taken to reproduce allpieces of music information recorded in the CD-DA region.

As FIG. 4 shows, content is recorded in the CD-ROM region. The contentincludes at least one information-set consisting of an ISRC number, songdata, a key distribution server name, a content distribution servername, additional-information distribution server location information,and additional-information distribution server description, which areinterrelated.

The ISRC number is determined by the ISRC (International StandardRecording Code—an international specification standardized by the ISO(International Organization for Standardization)), and is the onlyidentification information for identifying music in the world. The ISRCnumber is made up of a country code, a company code, a recording year,and a recording number. Note that although the ISRC number is used toidentify the content in the present embodiment, any number that canidentify and manage the content can be used.

The song data is data acquired by compressing music informationaccording to the MP3 and encrypting the compressed music information.The encryption method employed here is generally a secret key encryptionmethod for performing encryption and decryption using the same key. Itshould be noted that a public key encryption method for performingencrypting and decryption using a different key may instead be employed.

The key distribution server name is an identification name foridentifying a server that stores a decryption key for decrypting thesong data and provides the decryption key via the Internet 60. In thepresent embodiment, this server is realized by the content distributionservers 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, . . . .

The content distribution server name is an identification name foridentifying a server that distributes the content via the Internet 60.In the present embodiment, this server is realized by the contentdistribution servers 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, . . . .

The additional-information distribution server location information isan identification name for identifying a server that distributesadditional information via the Internet 60. In the present embodiment,this server is realized by the additional-information distributionserver 40. Here, the additional information is information relating tothe content, and, for example, may be a still image or a moving imagerelating to song data included in the content, or may be characterinformation indicating lyrics of song data included in the content.

The additional-information distribution server description brieflydescribes a server identified by the additional-information distributionserver location information.

(3) Input Unit 109

The input unit 109 specifically includes a keyboard, a mouse, and thelike.

The input unit 109 receives an input of a conversion instruction toconvert music information recorded in the CD-DA region of a music CDinto music information in the format specified by the MP3, or anacquisition instruction to acquire music information that has alreadybeen converted in the format specified by the MP3, via the Internet 60.

Upon receipt of the acquisition instruction, the input unit 109receives, from the user, an input of an acquisition request to acquireripping content, and outputs the acquisition request to the CD read unit107 and the transmission unit 106. Also, the input unit 109 receives aninput of a song number that identifies the ripping content from theuser, and outputs the song number to the transmission unit 106.

Upon receipt of the conversion instruction, the input unit 109 outputsthe conversion instruction to the CD read unit 107.

(4) CD Read Unit 107

The CD read unit 107 is specifically constructed by a CD input-outputunit and the like.

The CD read unit 107 receives the acquisition request to acquire theripping content from the input unit 109. Upon receipt of the acquisitionrequest, the CD read unit 107 judges a type of a CD mounted upon theinformation processing terminal 10. To be more specific, the CD readunit 107 judges whether the CD mounted upon the information processingterminal 10 stores information only in its CD-DA region, or the CDstores information in its CD-DA region and also stores information inits CD-ROM region.

When judging that the CD stores information only in its CD-DA region,the CD read unit 107 reads TOC information from the CD, and outputs theread TOC information to the transmission unit 106.

When judging that the CD stores information in its CD-DA region and alsostores information in its CD-ROM region, i.e., that a content 140 isrecorded, the CD read unit 107 reads a key distribution server name andan ISRC number from content recorded in the CD-ROM region in the CD, andoutputs the read key distribution server name and ISRC number to thetransmission unit 106.

Also, the CD read unit 107 receives the conversion instruction from theinput unit 109. Upon receipt of this instruction, the CD read unit 107reads music information recorded in the CD-DA region, and outputs theread music information to the conversion unit 105.

(5) Transmission Unit 106

The transmission unit 106 receives the acquisition request from theinput unit 109. Upon receipt of this request, the transmission unit 106reads terminal location information from the information storage unit108, receives the song number from the input unit 109 and the TOCinformation from the CD read unit 107, and transmits the received songnumber and TOC information, and the read terminal location informationto the directory server 20 via the Internet 60.

The transmission unit 106 receives the distribution server locationinformation, the ISRC number, and the directory server name from thereception unit 101. Here, the distribution server location informationis identification information for identifying the content distributionserver 30, and the directory server name is identification informationfor identifying the directory server 20. Upon receipt of thedistribution server location information, the ISRC number, and thedirectory server name, the transmission unit 106 reads a terminal ID anduser information from the information storage unit 108. The transmissionunit 106 then transmits the received ISRC number and directory servername, and the read terminal ID and user information to the deviceidentified by the received distribution server location information,i.e., the content distribution server 30, via the Internet 60.

The transmission unit 106 receives the additional-informationdistribution server location information from the read unit 104. Uponreceipt of this information, the transmission unit 106 transmits theread terminal location information and terminal ID, the extractedcontent distribution server name, the received ISRC number and userinformation to the device identified by the extractedadditional-information distribution server location information, i.e.,the additional-information distribution server 40, via the Internet 60.Also, when receiving additional information from theadditional-information distribution server 40, the transmission unit 106transmits payment information to the settlement server 50 via theInternet 60. Here, the payment information shows a payment to be made tothe additional-information distribution server 40, for additionalinformation distributed from the additional-information distributionserver 40.

When the CD read unit judges that the CD stores information in its CD-DAregion and also stores information in its CD-ROM region, thetransmission unit 106 reads the terminal ID and the terminal locationinformation from the information storage unit 108.

Upon receipt of the key distribution server name and the ISRC numberfrom the read unit 104, the transmission unit 106 generates a decryptionkey distribution request, and transmits the read terminal ID andterminal location information, the decryption key distribution request,and the ISRC number to the device identified by the read keydistribution server name, i.e., the content distribution server 30, viathe Internet 60.

(6) Reception Unit 101

The reception unit 101 receives the distribution server locationinformation, the ISRC number, and the directory server name from thedirectory server 20 via the Internet 60, and outputs the receiveddistribution server location information, ISRC number, and directoryserver name to the transmission unit 106.

Also, the reception unit 101 receives the decryption key and the contentfrom the content distribution server 30 via the Internet 60, and writesthe received decryption key and content to the content storage unit 102in an interrelated manner.

Here, the reception unit 101 transmits and receives the decryption keyusing a secure communication protocol such as the SSL (Secure SocketLayer).

Also, the reception unit 101 receives a file from theadditional-information distribution server 40 via the Internet 60, andwrites the received file to the content storage unit 102.

Also, the reception unit 101 receives the decryption key from thecontent distribution server 30 via the Internet 60, and writes thereceived decryption key to the content storage unit 102.

(7) Read Unit 104

The read unit 104 reads the content from the content storage unit 102,and extracts the additional-information distribution server locationinformation and the content distribution server name from the readcontent, and outputs the extracted additional-information distributionserver location information and content distribution server name to thetransmission unit 106.

(8) Reproduction Unit 103

The reproduction unit 103 reads the content and the decryption key fromthe content storage unit 102, and decrypts the content using the readdecryption key to acquire audio, and reproduces the audio. Thereproduction unit 103 also reads a file from the content storage unit102, decrypts the read file to acquire video, and reproduces the video.

Also, the reproduction unit 103 reproduces music information that hasbeen converted in the format specified by the MP3.

(9) Conversion Unit 105

The conversion unit 105 receives music information from the CD read unit107, converts the received music information into music information inthe format specified by the MP3, and writes the converted musicinformation to the content storage unit 102.

Here, the conversion unit 105 converts the music information into theformat based on the MP3, but the conversion unit 105 may convert themusic information into formats based on other music compression CODECs,such as the AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), the ATRAC3 (Adaptive TransformAcoustic Coding), and the TwinVQ (Transform-domain Weighed InterleaveVector Quantization).

(10) Content Storage Unit 102

The content storage unit 102 has a region for storing content and adecryption key in an interrelated manner, and also a region for storingmusic information that has been converted into the format specified bythe MP3.

Here, the decryption key is recorded in a secure region that cannot beviewed by a normal user access.

1.2 Directory Server 20

As FIG. 5 shows, the directory server 20 includes a transmission unit201, a reception unit 202, a retrieval unit 203, and an informationstorage unit 204.

The directory server 20 is specifically a computer system that is thesame as the information processing terminal 10. Accordingly, thefunctions of the directory server 20 are realized by the microprocessoroperating according to a computer program.

The directory server 20 is operated independently from the contentdistribution server 30. The operator of the directory server 20 has acontract with operators of a plurality of content distribution servers.The directory server 20 introduces the content distribution server 30 tothe user, which enables the user who has a CD, to acquire content thatis the same as data acquired by ripping the CD without doing so.

(1) Information Storage Unit 204

The information storage unit 204 is specifically constructed by a harddisk unit, and prestores a directory server name, a media ID referencetable 230, a distribution server reference table 240, and an ISRCreference table 250.

(Directory Server Name)

The directory server name is an identification name for identifying thedirectory server 20.

(Media ID Reference Table 230)

As FIG. 6 shows an example, the media ID reference table 230 includes atleast one information-set consisting of a media ID, an offset, and atotal time period.

The media ID is identification information for identifying a type of aCD.

The offset includes at least one logical sector address, and eachlogical sector address indicates the start point of a region in which apiece of music information is stored.

The total time period is a time period taken to reproduce all pieces ofmusic information stored in the CD-DA region of the CD.

(Distribution Server Reference Table 240)

As FIG. 7 shows an example, the distribution server reference table 240includes at least one information-set consisting of a media ID anddistribution server location information.

As described above, the media ID is identification information foridentifying a type of a CD.

The distribution server location information is identificationinformation that identifies a content distribution server connected onthe Internet 60. To be more specific, the distribution locationinformation is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

(ISRC Reference Table 250)

As FIG. 8 shows an example, the ISRC reference table 250 includes atleast one information-set consisting of a media ID, a song number, andan ISRC number.

As described above, the media ID is identification information foridentifying a type of a CD.

The song number is a number for identifying a piece of musicinformation, i.e., a song, within a CD.

The ISRC number is not explained here as it is explained early in thisspecification.

(2) Reception Unit 202

The reception unit 202 receives the song number, the TOC information,and the terminal location information from the information processingterminal 10 via the Internet 60, and outputs the received song numberand TOC information to the retrieval unit 203, and the received terminallocation information to the transmission unit 201.

(3) Retrieval Unit 203

The retrieval unit 203 reads the directory server name from theinformation storage unit 204. The retrieval unit 203 then receives theTOC information from the reception unit 202, extracts an information-setconsisting of an offset and a total time period that are the same asshown in the TOC information from the media ID reference table 230stored in the information storage unit 204, and acquires a media IDinterrelated with the extracted information-set.

The retrieval unit 203 then acquires distribution server locationinformation interrelated with the acquired media ID from thedistribution server reference table 240 stored in the informationstorage unit 204.

The retrieval unit 203 then acquires an ISRC number interrelated withthe acquired media ID and the received song number from the ISRCreference table 250 stored in the information storage unit 204.

The retrieval unit 203 then outputs the acquired distribution serverlocation information and ISRC number, and the read directory server nameto the transmission unit 201.

(4) Transmission Unit 201

The transmission unit 201 receives the distribution server locationinformation, the ISRC number, and the directory server name from theretrieval unit 203, and transmits the received distribution serverlocation information, ISRC number and directory server name to thedevice identified by the received terminal location information, i.e.,the information processing terminal 10.

1.3 Content Distribution Servers 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, . . .

The content distribution servers 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, . . . each are thesame device, and so the following describes these servers by simplyreferring to the content distribution server 30.

As FIG. 9 shows, the content distribution server 30 includes a customerinformation storage unit 301, a record unit 302, a transmission unit303, an acquisition unit 304, a reception unit 305, and an informationstorage unit 306. The content distribution server 30 is a Website thatdistributes content to the user. The content distribution server 30 addslocation information to the content to be distributed to the user. Thelocation information indicates a site (additional-information server 40)for distributing the latest information, karaoke data, image data, andthe like relating to the content. The content distribution server 30receives profits according to the count value of sales made on this site(additional-information server 40).

The content distribution server 30 is specifically a computer systemthat is the same as the information processing terminal 10. Accordingly,the functions of the content distribution server 30 are realized by themicroprocessor operating according to a computer program.

(1) Information Storage Unit 306

The information storage unit 306 is specifically constructed by a harddisk unit, and stores a content storage reference table 330 and at leastone file (content).

A file (content) is not explained here because it is the same as thecontent shown in FIG. 4.

(Content Storage Reference Table 330)

As FIG. 10 shows an example, the content storage reference table 330includes at least one information-set consisting of an ISRC number, afile name, and a decryption key.

The ISRC number is as explained early in this specification.

The file name is made up of location information and identificationinformation for a file stored in the information storage unit 306.

The decryption key is key information used to decrypt song data includedin the file (content) identified by the file name included in the sameinformation-set.

(2) Customer Information Storage Unit 301

The customer information storage unit 301 is specifically constructed bya hard disk unit, and stores a customer information management table 340and a download content management table 350.

(Customer Information Management Table 340)

As FIG. 11 shows an example, the customer information management table340 has a region for storing at least one information-set consisting ofa terminal ID and customer information.

The terminal ID is identification information for identifying aninformation processing terminal.

The customer information is information relating to a user of theinformation processing terminal identified by the terminal ID includedin the same information-set, and includes a name, an address, and atelephone number of the user.

(Download Content Management Table 350)

As FIG. 12 shows an example, the download content management table 350has a region for storing at least one information-set consisting of aterminal ID, a download content file name, and a directory server name.

The terminal ID is as explained above.

The download content file name is a file name of content transmitted tothe information processing terminal identified by the terminal IDincluded in the same information-set.

The directory server name is a name of a directory server introduced bythe information processing terminal identified by the terminal IDincluded in the same information-set when the content is transmitted tothe information processing terminal.

(3) Reception Unit 305

The reception unit 305 receives the ISRC number, the directory servername, the terminal location information, the terminal ID, and the userinformation from the information processing terminal 10 via the Internet60, and outputs the received ISRC number, directory server name,terminal location information, terminal ID, and user information to theacquisition unit 304.

Also, the reception unit 305 receives the terminal ID, the terminallocation information, the decryption key distribution request, and theISRC number from the information processing terminal 10 via the Internet60, and outputs the received terminal ID, terminal location information,decryption key distribution request, and ISRC number to the acquisitionunit 304, and the received terminal location information to thetransmission unit 303.

(4) Acquisition Unit 304

The acquisition unit 304 receives the ISRC number, the directory servername, the terminal location information, the terminal ID, and the userinformation from the reception unit 305. Upon receipt of the listedinformation, the acquisition unit 304 extracts a file name and adecryption key interrelated with the received ISRC number from thecontent storage reference table 330 stored in the information storageunit 306, and reads a file, i.e., content, identified by the extractedfile name from the information storage unit 306. The acquisition unit304 then outputs the extracted decryption key and the read content tothe transmission unit 303.

Also, the acquisition unit 304 receives the terminal ID, the terminallocation information, the decryption key distribution request, and theISRC number from the reception unit 305. Upon receipt of the listedinformation, the acquisition unit 304 acquires a decryption keyinterrelated with the received ISRC number from the content storagereference table 330 stored in the information storage unit 306, andoutputs the acquired decryption key to the transmission unit 303.

The acquisition unit 304 then outputs the received user information andterminal ID, the extracted file name, and the received directory servername to the record unit 302.

(5) Transmission Unit 303

The transmission unit 303 receives the decryption key and the contentfrom the acquisition unit 304. Upon receipt of the decryption key andcontent, the transmission unit 303 transmits the received decryption keyand content to the device identified by the received terminal locationinformation, i.e., the information processing terminal 10, via theInternet 60.

Here, the transmission unit 303 transmits and receives the decryptionkey using a secure communication protocol such as the SSL.

The transmission unit 303 then transmits “payment information todirectory server” to the settlement server 50 via the Internet 60. Herethe “payment information to directory server” is information showing apayment for the information processing terminal 10 being introduced tothe content distribution server 30 by the directory server.

Also, the transmission unit 303 receives the terminal locationinformation from the reception unit 305 and the decryption key from theacquisition unit 304, and transmits the received decryption key to thedevice identified by the received terminal location information via theInternet 60.

(6) Record Unit 302

The record unit 302 receives the terminal ID, the file name, thedirectory server name, and the user information from the acquisitionunit 304, and writes the received terminal ID, file name, and directoryserver to the download content management unit 350 in an interrelatedmanner. Also, the record unit 302 writes the received terminal ID anduser information, as the terminal ID and customer information, to thecustomer information management unit 340 in an interrelated manner.

1.4 Additional-Information Distribution Server 40

As FIG. 13 shows, the additional-information distribution server 40includes a customer information storage unit 401, a record unit 402, atransmission unit 403, an acquisition unit 404, anadditional-information storage unit 406, and a reception unit 405. Theadditional-information distribution server 40 is a Website that providesadditional information relating to content.

The additional-information distribution server 40 is specifically acomputer system that is the same as the information processing terminal10. Accordingly, the functions of the additional-informationdistribution server 40 are realized by the microprocessor operatingaccording to a computer program.

(1) Additional-Information Storage Unit 406

The additional-information storage unit 406 is specifically constructedby a hard disk unit, and stores at least one file (additionalinformation) and an additional-information storage reference table 430.

The file includes additional information. Here, the additionalinformation is information relating to content as described above, and,for example, may be a still image, a moving image, or karaoke datarelating to song data included in the content, or may be characterinformation indicating lyrics of song data included in the content.

(Additional-Information Storage Reference Table 430)

As FIG. 14 shows an example, the additional-information storagereference table 430 includes at least one information-set consisting ofan ISRC number and a file name.

The ISRC number is not explained here as it is explained early in thisspecification.

The file name is identification information for identifying a filestored in the additional-information storage unit 406.

(2) Customer Information Storage Unit 401

The customer information storage unit 401 is specifically constructed bya hard disk unit, and stores a customer information management table 440and a download additional-information management table 450.

(Customer Information Management Table 440)

As FIG. 15 shows an example, the customer information management table440 has a region for storing at least one information-set consisting ofa terminal ID and customer information.

The terminal ID and the customer information are not explained here asthey are explained early in this specification.

(Download Additional-Information Management Table 450)

As FIG. 16 shows an example, the download additional-informationmanagement table 450 has a region for storing at least oneinformation-set consisting of a terminal ID, a download content name,and a content distribution server name.

The terminal ID is not explained here as it is explained early in thespecification.

The download content name is an identification name for identifying afile (additional information) transmitted to an information processingterminal identified by the terminal ID included in the sameinformation-set from the additional-information distribution server 40.

The content distribution server name is the one transmitted from theinformation processing terminal identified by the terminal ID includedin the same information-set.

(3) Reception Unit 405

The reception unit 405 receives the terminal location information, theterminal ID, the content distribution server name, the ISRC number, andthe user information from the information processing terminal 10 via theInternet 60, and outputs the received terminal location information,terminal ID, content distribution server name, ISRC number, and userinformation to the acquisition unit 404. Also, the reception unit 405receives verification information from the settlement server 50.

(4) Acquisition Unit 404

The acquisition unit 404 receives the terminal location information, theterminal ID, the content distribution server name, the ISRC number, andthe user information from the reception unit 405. Upon receipt of thelisted information, the acquisition unit 404 acquires a file nameinterrelated with the received ISRC number, from theadditional-information storage reference table 430 stored in theadditional-information storage unit 406, and reads a file (additionalinformation) identified by the acquired file name from theadditional-information storage unit 406.

Also, the acquisition unit 404 outputs the received terminal locationinformation and the acquired file to the transmission unit 403.

Also, the acquisition unit 404 outputs the file name, the contentdistribution server name, the terminal ID, and the user information tothe record unit 402.

(5) Record Unit 402

The record unit 402 receives the file name, the content distributionserver name, the terminal ID, and the user information from theacquisition unit 404, and writes the received file name, contentdistribution server name, and terminal ID to the downloadadditional-information management unit 450 stored in the customerinformation storage unit 401 in an interrelated manner. Also, the recordunit 402 writes the received terminal ID and user information, as theterminal ID and customer information, to the customer informationmanagement table 440 stored in the customer information storage unit 401in an interrelated manner.

(6) Transmission Unit 403

The transmission unit 403 receives the terminal location information andthe file from the acquisition unit 404. Upon receipt of thisinformation, the transmission unit 403 transmits the received file tothe device identified by the received terminal location information,i.e., the information processing terminal 10, via the Internet 60.

Also, the transmission unit 403 transmits “payment information tocontent distribution server” to the settlement server 50 via theInternet 60. Here the “payment information to content distributionserver” is information showing a payment for the information processingterminal 10 being introduced to the additional information distributionserver 40 by the content distribution server.

1.5 Settlement Server 50

As FIG. 17 shows, the settlement server 50 includes a transmission unit501, a reception unit 502, a settlement processing unit 503, and asettlement information storage unit 504.

The settlement server 50 is specifically a computer system that is thesame as the information processing terminal 10. Accordingly, thefunctions of the settlement server 50 are realized by the microprocessoroperating according to a computer program.

(1) Reception Unit 502

The reception unit 502 receives “payment information to directoryserver” from the content distribution server 30 via the Internet 60, andoutputs the received “payment information to directory server” to thesettlement processing unit 503.

Also, the reception unit 502 receives payment information from theinformation processing terminal 10 via the Internet 60, and outputs thereceived payment information to the settlement processing unit 503.

Also, the reception unit 502 receives “payment information to contentdistribution server” from the additional-information distribution server40 via the Internet 60, and outputs the received “payment information tocontent distribution server” to the settlement processing unit 503.

(2) Settlement Processing Unit 503

The settlement processing unit 503 receives the “payment information todirectory server” from the reception unit 503, and performs a settlementprocess based on the received “payment information to directory server”.

Also, the settlement processing unit 503 receives the paymentinformation from the reception unit 502, performs a settlement processbased on the received payment information, generates verificationinformation indicating that the settlement has been completed, andoutputs the generated verification information to the transmission unit501.

Also, the settlement processing unit 503 receives the “paymentinformation to content distribution server” from the reception unit 502,and performs a settlement process based on the received “paymentinformation to content distribution server”.

(3) Transmission Unit 501

The transmission unit 501 receives the verification information from thesettlement processing unit 503, and transmits the received verificationinformation to the additional-information distribution server 40.

(4) Settlement Information Storage Unit 504

The settlement information storage unit 504 stores information relatingto the settlement process that has been performed by the settlementprocessing unit 503.

1. Operations of the Digital Data Distribution System 1

The following describes the operations of the digital data distributionsystem 1, with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 18 to 21.

The input unit 109 in the information processing terminal 10 receives,from the user, an input of an acquisition request to acquire rippingcontent, and outputs the received acquisition request to the CD readunit 107 and the transmission unit 106 (step S101). Also, the input unit109 receives an input of a song number from the user, and outputs thereceived song number to the transmission unit 106 (step S102).

Upon receipt of the acquisition request, the CD read unit 107 judges atype of a CD that is mounted upon the information processing terminal 10(step S103). When judging that the CD stores only information in itsCD-DA region, the CD read unit 107 reads TOC information from the CDthat is mounted upon the information processing terminal 10, and outputsthe read TOC information to the transmission unit 106 (step S104).

Upon receipt of the acquisition request from the input unit 109, thetransmission unit 106 reads terminal location information from theinformation storage unit 108 (step S105), and further receives the songnumber from the input unit 109 and the TOC information from the CD readunit 107. The transmission unit 106 then transmits the received songnumber and TOC information, and the read terminal location information,to the directory server 20 via the Internet 60 (step S106).

The reception unit 202 in the directory server 20 receives the songnumber, the TOC information, and the terminal location information fromthe information processing terminal 10 via the Internet 60, and outputsthe received song number and TOC information to the retrieval unit 203,and the received terminal location information to the transmission unit201 (step S106).

The retrieval unit 203 reads the directory server name from theinformation storage unit 204 (step S107). Following this, the retrievalunit 203 receives the TOC information from the reception unit 202,extracts an information-set consisting of an offset and a total timeperiod that are the same as shown in the received TOC information fromthe media ID reference table 230 stored in the information storage unit204, and acquires a media ID interrelated with the extractedinformation-set (step S108). The retrieval unit 203 then acquiresdistribution server location information interrelated with the acquiredmedia ID from the distribution server reference table 240 stored in theinformation storage unit 204 (step S109). Following this, the retrievalunit 203 acquires an ISRC number interrelated with the acquired media IDand the received song number from the ISRC reference table 250 stored inthe information storage unit 204 (step S110). The retrieval unit 203then outputs the acquired distribution server location information, theacquired ISRC number, and the read directory server name to thetransmission unit 201. The transmission unit 201 receives thedistribution server location information, the ISRC number, and thedirectory server name from the retrieval unit 203, and outputs thereceived distribution server location information, ISRC number, anddirectory server name to the device identified by the received terminallocation information (step S111).

The reception unit 101 in the information processing terminal 10receives the distribution server location information, the ISRC number,and the directory server name from the directory server 20, and outputsthe received distribution server location information, ISRC number, anddirectory server name, to the transmission unit 106 (step S111).

The transmission unit 106 reads the terminal ID from the informationstorage unit 108 (step S112), reads the user information (step S113),and transmits the received ISRC number and directory server name, theread terminal location information, terminal ID, and user information,to the device identified by the received distribution server locationinformation via the Internet 60 (step S114).

The reception unit 305 in the content distribution server 305 receivesthe ISRC number, the directory server name, the terminal locationinformation, the terminal ID, and the user information from theinformation processing terminal 10 via the Internet 60, and outputs thereceived ISRC number, directory server, terminal location information,terminal ID, and user information to the acquisition unit 304 (stepS114).

The acquisition unit 304 extracts a file name and a decryption keyinterrelated with the received ISRC number from the content storagereference table 330 stored in the information storage unit 306 (stepS115), and reads a file, i.e., content, identified by the extracted filename from the information storage unit 306 (step S116).

Following this, the acquisition unit 304 outputs the extracteddecryption key and the read content to the transmission unit 303. Thetransmission unit 303 receives the decryption key and the content, andoutputs the received decryption key and content to the device identifiedby the received terminal location information via the Internet 60 (stepS117).

Following this, the transmission unit 303 transmits “payment informationto directory server” to the settlement server 50 via the Internet 60(step S122).

Following this, the acquisition unit 304 outputs the received userinformation, the received terminal ID, the extracted file name and thereceived directory server name to the record unit 302 (step S119). Therecord unit 302 receives the terminal ID, the file name, and thedirectory server name from the acquisition unit 304, writes the receivedterminal ID, file name, and directory server to the download contentmanagement unit 350 in an interrelated manner (step S120), and writesthe received user information and terminal ID to the customerinformation management unit 340 in an interrelated manner (step S121).

The reception unit 502 in the settlement server 50 receives “paymentinformation to directory server” from the content distribution server 30via the Internet 60 (step S122). The settlement processing unit 503performs a settlement process based on the received “payment informationto directory server” (step S123).

The reception unit 101 in the information processing terminal 10receives the decryption key and the content from the contentdistribution server 30 via the Internet 60 (step S117), and writes thereceived decryption key and content to the content storage unit 102 inan interrelated manner (step S118).

The read unit 104 reads the content from the content storage unit 102,extracts additional-information distribution server location informationand a content distribution server name from the read content, andoutputs the extracted additional-information distribution serverlocation information and content distribution server name to thetransmission unit 106 (step S124). The transmission unit 106 transmitsthe read terminal location information, the read terminal ID, theextracted content distribution server name, the received ISRC number,and the read user information, to the device identified by the extractedadditional-information distribution server location information via theInternet 60 (step S126).

Also, the transmission unit 106 transmits payment information showing apayment to be made to the additional-information distribution server 40,to the settlement server 50 via the Internet 60 (step S125).

The reception unit 502 in the settlement server 50 receives the paymentinformation from the information processing terminal 10 via the Internet60, and the settlement processing unit 503 performs a settlement processbased on the received payment information (step S127). The transmissionunit 501 transmits verification information to theadditional-information distribution server 40 via the Internet 60 (stepS128).

The reception unit 405 in the additional-information distribution server40 receives the terminal location information, the terminal ID, thecontent distribution server name, the ISRC number, and the userinformation from the information processing terminal 10 via the Internet60, and outputs the received terminal location information, terminal ID,content distribution server name, ISRC number, and user information, tothe acquisition unit 404 (step S126). Also, the reception unit 405receives the verification information from the settlement server 50(step S128).

Following this, the acquisition unit 404 acquires a file nameinterrelated with the received ISRC number from theadditional-information storage reference table 430 stored in theadditional-information storage unit 406 (step S129), and reads a fileidentified by the acquired file name from the additional-informationstorage unit 406 (step S130).

The acquisition unit 404 outputs the received terminal locationinformation and the acquired file to the transmission unit 403. Thetransmission unit 403 transmits the acquired file to the deviceidentified by the received terminal location information via theInternet 60 (step S131).

Also, the transmission unit 403 transmits the “payment information tocontent distribution server” to the settlement server 50 via theInternet 60 (step S132).

Also, the acquisition unit 404 outputs the file name, the contentdistribution server name, the terminal ID, and the user information tothe record unit 402. The record unit 402 receives the file name, thecontent, the distribution server name, the terminal ID, and the userinformation, writes the received file name, content distribution server,and terminal ID to the download additional-information management unit450 stored in the customer information storage unit 401 in aninterrelated manner (step S136), and writes the received userinformation and terminal ID to the customer information management table440 stored in the customer information storage unit 401 in aninterrelated manner (step S137).

The reception unit 502 in the settlement server 50 receives the “paymentinformation to content distribution server” from theadditional-information distribution server via the Internet 60 (stepS132), and the settlement processing unit 503 performs a settlementprocess based on the received “payment information to contentdistribution server” (step S138).

The reception unit 101 in the information processing terminal 10receives a file from the additional-information distribution server 40via the Internet 60 (step S131), and writes the received file to thecontent storage unit 102 (step S133).

Following this, the reproduction unit 103 reads the content and thedecryption key from the content storage unit 102, decrypts the readcontent using the read decryption key to acquire audio, and reproducesthe audio. The reproduction unit 103 then reads the file from thecontent storage unit 102, decrypts the read file to acquire video, andreproduces the video (step S135).

The CD read unit 107 in the information processing terminal 10 judges atype of a CD that is mounted upon the information processing terminal 10(step S103). When judging that the CD stores both information in itsCD-DA and information in its CD-ROM region, the transmission unit 106reads the terminal ID and the terminal location information from theinformation storage unit 108 (step S151). The CD read unit 107 reads akey distribution server name and an ISRC number from the contentrecorded on the CD, and outputs the read key distribution server nameand ISRC number to the transmission unit 106 (step S152). Followingthis, the transmission unit 106 generates a decryption key distributionrequest, and transmits the terminal ID, the terminal locationinformation, the decryption key distribution request, and the ISRCnumber, to the device identified by the read key distribution servername (step S153).

The reception unit 305 in the content distribution server 30 receivesthe terminal ID, the terminal location information, the decryption keydistribution request, and the ISRC number from the informationprocessing terminal 10 via the Internet 60, and outputs the receivedterminal ID, terminal location information, decryption key distributionrequest, and ISRC number to the acquisition unit 304, and the receivedterminal location information to the transmission unit 303 (step S153).

The acquisition unit 304 acquires a decryption key interrelated with thereceived ISRC number from the content storage reference table 330 storedin the information storage unit 306, and outputs the acquired decryptionkey to the transmission unit 303 (step S154).

The transmission unit 303 receives the terminal location informationfrom the reception unit 305, and the decryption key from the acquisitionunit 304, and transmits the received decryption key to the deviceidentified by the received terminal location information via theInternet 60 (step S155).

The reception unit 101 in the information processing terminal 10receives the decryption key from the content distribution server 30 viathe Internet 60 (step S155), and writes the received decryption key tothe content storage unit 102 (step S156). The reproduction unit 103decrypts the content using the decryption key, and reproduces thecontent (step S157).

3. Overall Operations of the Digital Data Distribution System 1

The following describes the overall operations of the digital datadistribution system 1 focusing on main data transmitted and receivedbetween the components of the digital data distribution system 1, i.e.,the information processing terminal 10, the directory server 20, thecontent distribution server 30, and the additional-informationdistribution server 40, with reference to FIG. 22.

The information processing terminal 10 transmits a song number and TOCinformation to the directory server 20 (step S201). The directory server20 transmits distribution server location information, an ISRC number,and a directory server name to the information processing terminal 10(step S202).

Following this, the information processing terminal 10 transmits thereceived ISRC number and directory server name to the contentdistribution server 30 identified by the received distribution serverlocation information (step S203). The content distribution server 30transmits content and a decryption key to the information processingterminal 10 (step 5204).

Here, the content distribution server 30 performs a payment of anintroduction fee to the directory server 20 for an access to the contentdistribution server 30 (step S209). The payment is made via thesettlement server 50.

Following this, the information processing terminal 10 transmits thereceived ISRC number and content distribution server name to theadditional-information distribution server 40 identified by theadditional-information distribution server location information includedin the received content (step S205). The additional-informationdistribution server 40 transmits additional information, for example, avideo clip, to the information processing terminal 10 (step S206). Here,the information processing terminal 10 performs a payment to theadditional-information distribution server 40 for the purchase of thevideo clip (step S207). This payment is made via the settlement server50.

Also, the additional-information distribution server 40 performs apayment of an introduction fee to the content distribution server 30 forselling the video clip (step S208). This payment is made via thesettlement server 50.

4. Modifications

The following describes a digital data distribution system 1A as amodified example of the digital data distribution system 1.

The digital data distribution system 1A has a similar construction asthe digital data distribution system 1, and includes an informationprocessing terminal 10A, a CD sales server 20A, a content distributionserver 30A, an online store 40A, and a settlement server 50A (notillustrated). These devices are connected with one another via theInternet 60.

The information processing terminal 10A, the CD sales server 20A, thecontent distribution server 30A, the online store 40A, and thesettlement server 50A respectively correspond to and have the sameconstruction as the information processing terminal 10, the directoryserver 20, the content distribution server 30, the additionalinformation distribution server 40, and the settlement server 50 in thedigital data distribution system 1.

The following describes the operations of the digital data distributionsystem 1A, with reference to FIG. 23.

The information processing terminal 10A transmits purchase informationindicating a purchase of a CD, to the CD sales server 20A according to auser's operation, via the Internet 60 (step S301). Also, the informationprocessing terminal 10A transmits payment information indicating apayment for the purchase, to the settlement server 50A (step S302).

The settlement server 50A receives the payment information and performsa settlement process. The settlement server 50A then transmitsverification information indicating that the settlement has beencompleted, to the CD sales server 20A (step S302).

The CD sales server 20A receives the purchase information (step S301),receives the verification information (step S302), and then performs adelivery process of the CD. This results in the CD being delivered laterto a place designated by the user (step S303).

Although the user usually receives the CD in a few days, the user canacquire music information recorded on the purchased CD before receivingthe CD in the following way.

Upon completing transmission of the purchase information and the paymentinformation, the information processing terminal 10A transmits a songnumber that indicates music information recorded on the CD to the CDsales server 20A via the Internet 60 according to the user's operation(step S304).

The CD sales server 20A prestores TOC information recorded on thepurchased CD. Upon receipt of the song number (step S304), therefore,the CD sales server 20A acquires an ISRC number that identifies musicinformation indicated by the received song number, distribution serverlocation information that indicates the content distribution server 30A,a directory server name that indicates the CD sales server 20A, usingthe TOC information, the media ID reference table, the distributionserver reference table, and the ISRC reference table, in the same manneras the directory server 20. The CD sales server 20A then transmits theacquired ISRC number, distribution server location information, anddirectory server name, to the information processing terminal 10A (stepS305).

The information processing terminal 10A receives the ISRC number, thedistribution server location information, and the directory server name(step S305), and transmits the ISRC number and the directory servername, to the content distribution server 30A identified by the receiveddistribution server location information (step S306).

The content distribution server 30A receives the ISRC number and thedirectory server name (step S306), acquires content and a decryption keyinterrelated with the ISRC number, and transmits the acquired contentand decryption key to the information processing terminal 10A (stepS307).

The information processing terminal 10A receives the content and thedecryption key (step S307), and reproduces the received content usingthe received decryption key.

Here, the content distribution server 30A issues a payment request tothe CD sales server 20A for the content distribution, so that the CDsales server 20A performs the payment as requested. To be more specific,the content distribution server 30A transmits request informationshowing the above payment request to the settlement server 50. Thesettlement server 50 receives the request information. Based on thereceived request information, the settlement server 50 performs asettlement process for the payment to be made from the CD sales server20A to the content distribution server 30A (step S311).

The information processing terminal 10A acquires additional-informationdistribution server location information that identifies the onlinestore 40A, which corresponds to the additional-information distributionserver 40 in the digital data distribution system 1, from the receivedcontent. The information processing terminal 10A then transmits the ISRCnumber and the content distribution server name, to the online store 40Aidentified by the acquired additional-information distribution serverlocation information (step S308).

Also, the information processing terminal 10A transmits paymentinformation showing a payment for the purchase of a video clip, to thesettlement server 50A (step S312).

The settlement server 50A receives the payment information, performs asettlement process, and transmits verification information showing thatthe settlement has been completed, to the online store 40A (step S312).

The online store 40A receives the ISRC number and the contentdistribution server name (step S308), and receives the verificationinformation (step S312). The online store 40A prestores a video clip andan ISRC number in an interrelated manner, and so acquires the video clipinterrelated with the received ISRC number. The online store 40A thentransmits the acquired video clip as additional information, to theinformation processing terminal 10A (step S309).

The information processing terminal 10A receives the video clip (stepS309), and reproduces the received video clip.

Here, the online store 40A performs a payment for selling the videoclip, to the content distribution server 30A. To be more specific, theonline store 40A transmits payment information showing the payment, tothe settlement server 50. The settlement server 50 receives the paymentinformation. Based on the received payment information, the settlementserver 50 performs a settlement process for the payment from the onlinestore 40A to the content distribution server 30A (step S310).

5. Conclusions

As described above, the information processing terminal reads, from arecording medium, information unique to the recording medium, receivesan input from the user, displays, for the user, a processing result ofeach component, reads information from the recording medium, stores aterminal ID unique to the information processing terminal and terminallocation information that indicates a location of the informationprocessing terminal, transmits various information to outside, receivesinformation from outside, stores content, reproduces the content, andread information from the content. Also, the information processingreads data from the recording medium, and converts the read data into apredetermined format.

Also, the recording medium stores content including data that is thesame as the data converted by the information processing terminal.

Also, the directory server determines a content distribution server thatdistributes content, based on information stored in the recordingmedium. The directory server receives information. Also, the directoryserver has a database necessary for retrieving certain information.Based on the received information, the directory server accesses thedatabase to retrieve certain information, and then transmits theretrieval result to outside.

Also, the content distribution server distributes content. The contentdistribution server receives information from outside. Also, the contentdistribution server has (a) a database necessary for retrieving certaincontent, (b) encrypted content to be distributed, and (c) a decryptionkey for decrypting the encrypted content. Based on the receivedinformation, the content distribution server accesses the database toretrieve certain content, acquires the retrieved content, transmits theacquired content to a distribution target, and stores informationrelating to the transmitted content in the database.

Also, the additional-information distribution server distributesadditional information relating to content. The additional informationdistribution server receives information from outside. Also, theadditional-information distribution server has (a) a database necessaryfor retrieving certain additional information, and (b) additionalinformation to be distributed. Based on the received information, theadditional-information distribution server accesses the database toretrieve certain additional information, acquires the retrievedadditional information, transmits the acquired additional information toa distribution target, and stores information relating to thetransmitted additional information in the database.

Also, the digital data distribution system is composed of some or all ofthe information processing terminal, the directory server, the contentdistribution server, and the additional-information distribution server.These components are connected with one another via a distributionnetwork.

6. Other Modifications

Although the present invention has been described based on the aboveembodiment, the invention should not be limited to such. For example,the following modifications are possible.

(1) Although the above embodiment describes the case where theinformation processing terminal is a PC, other devices that have asimilar construction and are connected to a network, such as a digitalbroadcast reception device, a DVD reproduction device, a set-top box,and a component system may instead be employed as the informationprocessing terminal.

(2) The CD sales server 20A may not have a media ID reference table thatis held by the directory server 20. In this case, CDs are managed byinformation other then media IDs. Any information that can uniquelyidentify each CD within the CD sales server can be used.

(3) Although the above embodiment describes the case where thecomponents of the digital data distribution system 1 are connected withone another via the Internet 60, they may alternatively be connected viaa data broadcast system, a telephone line, a cable TV system, or thelike.

(4) Although the above embodiment describes the case where informationacquired from CDs is TOC information, it may be other information thatis unique to each CD title, such as an ID number.

(5) Although the above embodiment describes the case where a recordingmedium on which a music title is recorded is a CD, it may alternativelybe a DVD-Audio, an MD (Mini Disc), and the like.

Also, although the present embodiment describes the case where datarecorded on the recording medium of the present invention is song data,it may also be a video, a still image, an electronic magazine, or thelike.

Also, although the above embodiment describes the case where thedecryption key of content is acquired from the content distributionserver, the decryption key may be prerecorded on a CD.

(6) Although the above embodiment describes the case where a CODEC forcontent provided by the content distribution server 30 is the MP3, itmay alternatively be the AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), or the like.

(7) The CD sales server 20A and the content distribution server 30A areeach operated by a different manager. The manager of the CD sales server20A has a contract with managers of a plurality of content distributionservers, and enables a user who has a CD to acquire ripping content fromone of the content distribution servers without requiring the user toperform CD ripping with PC software. Also, the CD sales server 20Aintroduces a content distribution server from which bonus-track contentfor the CD can be acquired, to the information processing terminal 10A.

(8) The content distribution server 30A stores an identification nameidentifying a CD sales server used when the user downloads content.Based on this information, the content distribution server 30A receivesa payment from the CD sales server 20A. This payment may be determinedaccording to the number of times content is downloaded, or may be set asa fixed fee per month or the like.

(9) The online store 40A is operated independently from the CD salesserver 20A and the content distribution server 30A. To download andpurchase additional information, the user accesses the online store 40Abased on additional-information distribution server location informationincluded in content acquired from the content distribution server 30A bythe information processing terminal 10A. When the user downloads andpurchases the additional information, a name of the content distributionserver from which the content has been downloaded is registered into adatabase of the online store 40A, and a payment is made to the operatorof the content distribution server according to sales or profits yieldedby the downloaded content. The payment made to the operator of thecontent distribution server may be a fixed fee per month or the like,instead of being determined according to the sales or the profits.

(10) Although the above embodiment describes the case where the paymentfor the purchase is made via the settlement server, the payment may bemade directly from a device that makes the payment to a device thatreceives the payment.

(11) The above embodiment describes the case where an instruction fromthe user determines whether music information is to be converted ormusic information is to be acquired from the content distributiondevice. Alternatively, it may be determined by selecting a shorter timeout of (a) a time taken to convert the music information and (b) a timetaken to acquire the music information via the Internet 60. In thiscase, a time taken to acquire content from each of content distributionservers is measured and recorded in advance. Also, a time taken toconvert music information using each of plural types of ripping softwareis measured and recorded in advance. These recorded times may be usedfor the above determination.

As described above, the information processing terminal 10 can acquireripping content with the following three methods:

-   -   (A) acquire the ripping content from the recording medium on        which the ripping content is recorded;    -   (B) acquire the ripping content from the content distribution        server; and    -   (C) acquire the ripping content by the conversion unit 105        ripping song data of the music CD.

Priority may be set in advance on each of these methods, so that theinformation processing terminal 10 can select one of these methodsaccording to the priority.

Here, the user may determine the priority on each of these methodsaccording to his or her network environment. For example, when method(C) is superior to method (B) in the speed in one user's networkenvironment, the user may set higher priority on method (C).

(12) The content distribution server and the additional-informationdistribution server may provide bonus information, or utilization pointsthat can be acquired only via the Internet 60, to the informationprocessing terminal 10. In this case, the user of the informationprocessing terminal 10 may receive a certain discount when purchasing aCD next time, using the acquired utilization points.

(13) As described above, the information processing terminal in theabove embodiment is capable of reading information unique to each CD,transmitting the information to the directory server, and acquiringcontent from the content distribution server without using CD rippingsoftware. Also, based on information included in the content acquiredfrom the content distribution server, additional information relating tocontent can be acquired by accessing the additional-informationdistribution server.

Also, the directory server in the above embodiment enables a Websitethat provides content distribution services to be retrieved, based onthe received information unique to the CD.

Also, the content distribution server in the above embodiment isnotified by the directory server of the information processing terminalrequesting the content distribution, and distributes the requestedcontent to the information processing terminal. The content distributionserver is so enabled to manage unique information of a distributiontarget from which the content has been distributed, a name of thedirectory server via which the content has been distributed, and a nameof the distributed content, with the use of a database.

Also, the additional-information distribution server in the aboveembodiment performs distribution of additional information requested byan accessed information processing terminal. The additional-informationdistribution server is so enabled to manage unique information of adistribution target from which the additional information has beendistributed, a name of the content distribution server from which thecontent has been distributed, and a name of the distributed additionalinformation, with the use of a database.

Also, the recording medium in the above embodiment spares the bother ofripping song data from a CD because it stores content including bothnormal song data and ripped song data.

The digital data distribution system that is made up of the recordingmedium, the information processing terminal, the directory server, thecontent distribution server, the additional-information distributionserver described above enables the user to read information from a CDusing the information processing terminal, and acquire content that isthe same as content acquired by ripping, or the content that is furtheraccompanied by additional information, from the CD or via the network,without requiring the user to perform ripping of a music track withinthe CD using ripping software.

The content distribution server manages a name of an accessed directoryserver. Therefore, an operator of the directory server can receive apayment determined by the number of accesses managed by the contentdistribution server.

Also, content distributed by the content distribution server to theinformation processing terminal may further be accompanied byinformation such as an access target to acquire additional information.When the user wishes to acquire the additional information from theaccess target, he or she can download the additional information.

The additional-information distribution server stores a distributionsource from which the content whose access target is recorded isdistributed in a database for managing the download purchasing. Theoperator of the content distribution server that is the distributionsource can receive a payment determined by the number of accesses.

Also, the digital data distribution in the above embodiment enables aWebsite that sells CDs, to provide the same services as those providedby the directory server.

(14) The present invention also applies to the method described above.This method may be realized by computer programs that are executed bycomputers. Such computer programs may be distributed as digital signals.

Also, the present invention may be realized by a computer-readablerecording medium, such as a flexible disk, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an MOdisc, a DVD, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, or a semiconductor memory, on whichthe computer programs and/or digital signals mentioned above arerecorded. Conversely, the present invention may also be realized by acomputer program and/or digital signal that is recorded on a recordingmedium.

Computer programs or digital signals that achieve the present inventionmay also be transmitted via a network, such as an electric communicationnetwork, a wired or wireless communication network, or the Internet.

Also, the above embodiment of the present invention can be realized by acomputer system that includes a microprocessor and a memory. In thiscase, a computer program can be stored in the memory, with themicroprocessor operating according to the computer program.

The computer programs and/or digital signals may be provided on anindependent computer system by distributing a recording medium on whichthe computer programs and/or digital signals are recorded, or bytransmitting the computer programs and/or digital signals via a network.The independent computer system may then execute the computer programsand/or digital signals to function as the present invention.

(15) The limitations described in the above embodiment and themodifications may be freely combined.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

The present invention is applicable when digital-work information isacquired via a network. The present invention is particularly effectivewhen a user who purchases a CD on which music information is recorded ina format suitable for reproduction by a playback-only device (a CDplayer for example) wishes to acquire music information of the samemusic in a format compressed and coded by a CODEC. The music informationin the format compressed and coded by the CODEC can be reproduced bydevices such as a PC and a PD.

1. An information processing device for accessing a plurality of typesof recording mediums each storing an identifier uniquely identifying therecording medium, the plurality of types of recording mediums include afirst type recording medium and a second type recording medium, thefirst type recording medium storing (i) an identifier uniquelyidentifying the first type recording medium and (ii) stream informationobtained by encoding a work, the second type recording medium storing(i) an identifier uniquely identifying the second type recording medium,(ii) stream information obtained by encoding a work and (iii)information related to the stream information, the informationprocessing device having: a device identifier uniquely identifying theinformation processing device; a reading device operable to read arecording medium mounted on the information processing device; a storagefor storing data; and a network connection function to establish anetwork connection, the information processing device comprising: ajudgment unit operable to judge whether the recoding medium mounted onthe information processing device is the first type recording medium orthe second type recording medium; a network access unit operable toaccess a network using the network connection function and based on theinformation related to the stream information, if the mounted recordingmedium is judged to be the second type recording medium; a download unitoperable to download data related to the work via the network; a recordunit operable to record the downloaded data related to the work to thestorage; and a playback unit operable to play back the recorded datarelated to the work.
 2. The information processing device of claim 1,wherein the stream information recorded on the recording medium is videodata.
 3. The information processing device of claim 1, wherein the datarelated to the work is one of music data, still image data, video dataor character data, the playback unit has a function of playing backmusic, still images, video, or characters.
 4. The information processingdevice of claim 1, wherein the network access unit is operable to accessvia the Internet an HTTP site uniquely identified by URL information.